Description

Today we are going to talk about a very versatile and cost-effective construction material; sheet piling. Sheet piling is used to support excavations for various structures including the following examples:

1. Basements.
2. Pump stations.
3. Foundations.

Sheet piles are sections of steel materials which are driven into the ground with interlocking sections on each sheet, which are generally made of steel. Timber and other materials can also be used. When selecting a sheet pile as a form of construction, the following items need to be considered:

1. Permanent or temporary condition.
2. Geotechnical conditions.
3. Depth of sheet piles.
4. Machinery available on site.

Sheet piles can be constructed in a number of ways including:

1. Cantilevered.
2. Propped.
3. Anchored.

Please see below diagrams indicating construction sequences for the above arrangements. Each technical construction has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. Sheet Piles are light weight and come in a wide range of lengths and size.
2. They can be used for temporary and permanent structures.
3. They can be installed using silent and vibration-free methods.
4. It is more cost effective and quicker installation than contiguous or secant walls.

Disadvantages:

1. Sheet pile driving may cause neighbourhood disturbances.
2. Settlements in adjacent properties can occur due to installation vibrations.

Contractors would prefer to always have a clear excavation with no propping where possible and this is not always possible with the cantilevered arrangements or anchored walls due to deflection limitations and practicality requirements.